Course offered on active shooter response for businesses

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Shawn O’Leary

Shawn O’Leary, retired Winslow chief of police, and executive vice president of Dirigo Safety will deliver a presentation discussing the importance of preparation of your business for an active shooter threat or incident. He will cover requirements under OSHA and important safety training tips to include in emergency action planning.

O’Leary adds: “Active shooter training is one of several proactive steps organizations can take to prepare employees and managers to respond appropriately to an active shooter incident. While the likelihood of an active shooter event is rare, all employees should know how to recognize the signs of potential violence and what their role is during an active shooter situation. Active shooter training strengthens and reinforces an organization’s emergency action plan and can help reduce the risk of an incident occurring.”

This informative presentation will be the focus at Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s November Business Breakfast. This month’s breakfast will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 7:15 to 9 a.m. in the Waterville Country Club Banquet Room, at 39 Country Club Road, in Oakland.

Shawn O’Leary’s career has included time with the Brunswick Police Department, where he eventually retired as a patrol lieutenant; the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and as leader of the Criminal Investigations Division that handles all major criminal cases. O’Leary served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Winslow from 2014 until his retirement from full time law enforcement in July 2020.

Shawn is now the executive vice president of Dirigo Safety, where he oversees daily operations of law enforcement training and executive services and manages all workplace safety components, including training, onsite security assessments, and security consulting.

Shawn holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree with honors in Business Management with a minor in Human Resource Management, and is a graduate of the prestigious Senior Executive School of the FBI National Academy.

Some items regarding CDC guidelines for attendance: out of concern for the safety of attendees, registrations at this indoor event will be limited to a maximum of 50 persons. Tables and seating will be spaced out, and a plated breakfast will be provided, as opposed to the buffet offered in the past. Masks are requested to be worn for registration, and until seated. Separate entrance and exits are offered to minimize passage of attendees, upon arrival and departure, and hand sanitizer will be provided.

China selectmen candidates explain their position on local topics

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Louisa Barnhart moderated the discussion.

by Mary Grow

The five candidates for three seats on China’s Board of Selectmen answered questions at an on-line Oct. 18 forum sponsored by the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village.

When ballots are counted after the polls close Nov. 3, three people will be elected to serve two-year terms as selectmen. The ballot choices are, in alphabetical order, Ronald Breton (incumbent), Blane Casey, Brent Chesley, Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston (incumbent).

Moderator Louisa Barnhart first asked each person to summarize his or her qualifications for the local office.

Ron Breton

Breton cited his 12 years as a planning board member and then a selectman, including chairing both boards. In his military career, he learned leadership skills and how to communicate, and he managed large budgets.

Casey, an independent businessman and second-generation China resident, said dealing with lots of people has taught him to listen, to compromise and to solve problems.

Chesley, co-owner of a large highway construction business, cited his knowledge of public works projects. He said he listens to his employees to get information he needs to make good decisions and appropriate compromises. Born in Lincoln, he has lived in China for 16 years.

Jeanne Marquis

Marquis, who returned to China to take care of her elderly father in the house the family has owned for five generations, said her journalism training at Northwestern University taught her to research issues and to listen. She encouraged selectmen to initiate more communication with residents.

Preston, formerly a China School Committee member, cited her unique perspective as an educator, which she said helps her work with varied people, listen well and explain things clearly. She described herself as open-minded, non-judgmental and, as a math teacher, focused on problem-solving. She and her family have lived in their house in China for 30 years, she said.

Asked about taxes and the town budget, Breton and Preston agreed the current board studies expenditures carefully and does not waste taxpayers’ money. Chesley’s opinion is that “People are pretty well maxed out on taxes.” Marquis said compared to other Maine towns of comparable size, China’s tax rate is about in the middle.

Neither Chesley nor Casey had had time to review the budget looking for specifics, but Casey believes a town can always save money – and perhaps increase some allocations. Marquis pointed out that China currently contributes more to FirstPark, the Oakland business park, than the town gets in return, though the new park manager might improve the balance; and she suggested China’s Emergency Preparedness Committee should have money available for things like pandemic supplies and generators residents could borrow.

Brent Chesley

Chesley recommended inviting more homeowners and especially more business owners to town, to increase the property tax base. Marquis, who advocated repeatedly for open space and China’s natural environment, disagreed with “overdeveloping China” and preferred seeking grants and other funding sources.

Moderator Barnhart’s broad questions about additional community facilities and services brought a variety of answers from the five candidates. Several cited recommendations in China’s comprehensive plan.

Casey and Chesley were least enthusiastic about expanding services. Casey said he is unaware of additional services residents are looking for, but invited suggestions. Chesley’s wording was that he is unaware of additional services residents need, versus what some might want.

Both men would consider elderly housing, if it were provided by private developers and, Chesley added, if there were community support. Casey said one service he recommends is more flexible town office hours to accommodate working residents.

Marquis endorsed expansion of broadband service, now being sought by the town’s broadband committee, and said more solar power would save money. She favors the comprehensive plan recommendations for more youth recreational programs and programs for the elderly.

Janet Preston

Preston favors elderly housing with services, though she has no specific plan yet. She would also like to see more bike paths, especially around China Lake, pointing out that cyclists now have Lakeview Drive with paved shoulders and heavy traffic on one side and back roads without shoulders the rest of the way.

Breton said China has a committee looking into elderly housing possibilities. He too favors more recreational areas. He would also like more law enforcement coverage, though voters at the 2020 town meeting did not approve hiring a full-time police chief.

The idea of a town community center, rejected by voters in June 2019, brought varied reactions.

Marquis proposed, in present circumstances, using the town-owned 40-acre lot on Lakeview Drive opposite the former Candlewood Camps for an outdoor pavilion with a firepit, a farmers’ market and perhaps later a community center building. She suggested funding the building through donations (with major donors offered naming rights), not taxes.

Chesley could see the Lakeview Drive property being used for an amphitheater, hiking trails and/or a farmers’ market – but he is concerned about the cost. China has already invested in recreational facilities like Thurston Park and the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin, he reminded the audience.

Breton favors an earlier plan that he realizes was and is unpopular: a building on the Lakeview Drive land that would house a community center, the current three fire departments and perhaps China Rescue and a police office. He approved the farmers’ market idea; the town office parking lot might be another possible site, he suggested. If voters don’t want to use the Lakeview Drive land, he recommends selling it; town-owned land does not pay property taxes, he pointed out.

Neither Marquis nor Preston is currently willing to sell the lot. Both favor public access to outdoor areas, for dog-walking (Preston) and other quality-of-life reasons (Preston and Marquis).

Preston favors a community center somewhere in town. She sees the tentative plan to consolidate China’s two schools and free the present middle school for town use as no longer a possibility and suggested possible use of the large building at the China Baptist Conference Center on Neck Road.

Blane Casey

Casey and Chesley listed multiple underutilized buildings in town and opposed adding a community center. If there is to be a community center and central fire station, it should be close to the center of town, not at the north end of Lakeview Drive, Casey said.

Another previously-controversial issues, public access to China Lake, found the majority of the candidates favoring the idea, at least in principle. Preston, who served on the committee that proposed buying the Candlewood lakefront property and had its recommendation rejected by voters, still strongly supports a public beach.

Marquis agreed, and Breton hopes China’s revised comprehensive plan will include lake access as a goal. Chesley would not oppose a town beach at the right price, in the right place and with a maintenance plan. Casey does not know of available land, and is concerned about costs and potential liability.

The China library’s first on-line forum ran smoothly, thanks to the organizational and technical skills of librarians Carla Gade and Miranda Perkins and trustees Jim Hart (computer expert) and Barnhart (Zoom hostess and forum moderator).

To view the video of the China selectperson candidates’ forum, please click here.

FISHY PHOTO: Secret fishing spot

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Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, landed this 8-lb. rainbow trout. When asked where, his answer was, “some undisclosed stream somewhere near nowhere.” The fish was released. He was fishing with his maternal grandfather, Terry Greenleaf, of Oakland. (He is the son of Ryan and Rachel Hallee, of Rome.)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Do moose and deer ever get their antlers caught in trees?

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On the left, moose in full “velvet.” On the right, deer in full “velvet.”

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received an email from a colleague, and follower of this column, asking the question, “Why don’t deer and moose get their antlers caught in trees?” Well, it isn’t uncommon to find deer with their antlers caught in trees. But it usually occurs following adverse conditions, especially from flooding or being frightened into a desperate retreat.

Well, actually, that was a question I always wondered myself. I always thought that maybe their antlers were like whiskers on a cat, using them as feelers to determine whether they can pass through an opening.

It turns out I probably wasn’t far off with my assessment.

I turned to my contacts at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an answer. According to the state moose biologist Lee Kantar, “As the moose antlers grow, the moose ‘develop’ a sense of their width.” I can only deduce that the same holds true for deer.

Following the fall rut, male deer and moose will shed their antlers. In spring or early summer, March or April, the new antlers begin to form, growing out from a pedicel bone, a bony stalk situated on the frontal bone of the skull. The antlers begin to grow at a rapid pace. During growth, they are covered with a skin, called the velvet, a living tissue, which contains many blood vessels for the nourishment of the growing bone tissue.

“During antler growth,” said Kantar, “the antlers are highly vascularized and the moose can feel where those antlers are, touching other surfaces during the growth phase.”

When the antlers have reached the size and shape characteristic for the particular species, the blood circulation in the velvet is stopped, the velvet dies, and the buck or bull then rubs off the dead skin against branches,

In the case of moose, “During antler growth this velvet layer of hair that covers the antlers are the ‘feelers’ for the antlers,” the biologist continued.

“At the end of August into September the antlers essentially harden into bone and the velvet is rubbed and sloughed off as the bull thrashes and rubs against vegetation. By this time, the bull has essentially ‘learned’ the dimensions of his new antlers for his travels.”

Deer and moose have played a very important role in the history of our country, especially deer. The American Indians and European settlers depended on deer for food clothing, implements, ornaments, ceremonial items, tools and weapons. The hides provided shelter and protection from the weather.

Did you know the term “bucks” when referring to money comes from the American Indians. Deerskins were considered valuable for clothing and the skins were called “bucks.” They were traded for various other articles.

The Netsilik Inuit people made bows and arrows using antlers, reinforced with strands of animal tendons braided to form a cable-backed bow. Several American Indian tribes also used antlers to make bows, gluing tendons to the bow instead of tying them as cables. An antler bow, made in the early 19th century, is on display at Brooklyn Museum. Its manufacture is attributed to the Yankton Sioux.

Throughout history large deer antlers from a suitable species, like the red deer, were often cut down to its shaft and its lowest tine and used as a one-pointed pickax.

Antler headdresses were worn by shamans and other spiritual figures in various cultures, and for dances. Antlers are still worn in traditional dances.

Gathering shed antlers or “sheds” attracts dedicated practitioners who refer to it colloquially as shed hunting, or bone picking. In the United States, the middle of December to the middle of February is considered shed hunting season, when deer, elk, and moose begin to shed.

In the United States in 2017 sheds fetched around $10 per pound, with larger specimens in good condition attracting higher prices. The most desirable antlers have been found soon after being shed. The value is reduced if they have been damaged by weathering or being gnawed by small animals. A matched pair from the same animal is a very desirable find but often antlers are shed separately and may be separated by several miles. Some enthusiasts for shed hunting use trained dogs to assist them. Most hunters will follow ‘game trails’ (trails where deer frequently run) to find these sheds or they will build a shed trap to collect the loose antlers in the late winter/early spring.

Lewis and Clark might never have been able to finish their journey from St. Louis to Oregon if the hunters they took along had not furnished them with deer meat along the way. For the four months they wintered in Oregon, they had little to eat other than deer meat.

Have you ever seen a set of deformed moose antlers on a mount, and wondered why? Well, if a bull moose is castrated, either by accident or chemical means, he will quickly shed his current set of antlers and then immediately begin to grow a new set of mishapen and deformed antlers that he will wear the rest of his life without ever shedding again.

I know I wandered off the initial subject, but I found all this information fascinating. I hope you did, too.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the last NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, October 22, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsName the last NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Answer:

New England Patriots, 2004 & 2005.

Bottle drive to benefit food pantries

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Through October, recyclable bottles are being collected to benefit the Palermo, Liberty, and Montville Food pantries. Bottles may be dropped off at the porch of the Palermo Community Center anytime, or at Nancy Bartlett’s home, at 801 Acadia, across from the 10-4 Diner. Bartlett’s hours are Tuesday from 9 a.m. – noon, Friday from 9 a.m. – noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Her home is gray-brown with pink trim.

Your recyclable bottles can help feed neighbors in need. Proceeds from the bottle drive will be divided equally among the three local food pantries.

For more information, please contact Connie at 993-2294.

Kennebec County retired educators support the classroom

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The Kennebec Retired Educators Association (KREA) awards two $150 grants to two educators in Kennebec County for classroom use. The grants will supplement expenses for student-centered, inter-disciplinary projects and may be expended for materials used in the classroom, speakers’ fees, project development expenses, etc.

Grant description and applications have been disseminated to every principal in all 60 elementary, middle, and high schools in 31 cities and towns in Kennebec County. The principals have made them available to the classroom teachers.

“Students and teachers remain our primary focus long after we leave our classrooms,” says George Davis, of Skowhegan, chairman of the Innovative Classroom Grant Committee and retired principal of Winslow High School.

Grant applications are to be submitted by October 31. The winning applicants will be notified in early November and will receive the grant money at that time.

Fresh Florida citrus delivered to your door

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The Palermo Community Center and Food Pantry is sponsoring a safe annual fruit sale. The oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, and more go from the tree to the shipper in mere hours and arrive at your door ­ – or anywhere in the continental U.S.A. you send them. Shipping fees are only $6.95 a box – no matter how big the box is. You can do all your Christmas shopping with a few clicks of a mouse!

For those not online, it’s possible to order by phone: 1-800-468-3168. Use code 1018996. On a computer, go to: Florida Indian River Groves to see the catalogue of fruit boxes. This sale lasts until November 13, and you have a choice of Thanksgiving or Christmas delivery. Either way, the fruit is bundled up in foam against the cold and bumps along the way. If you need help, please call Connie at 993-2294.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 22, 2020

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RANDALL C. HANNAN

PALERMO – Randall C. Hannan, 67, of the S. Liberty Rd., died on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Maine­General Medical Center, Augusta. Randy was born in Vassalboro on May 13, 1953, the son of Virgil and Ruth Hannan.

He worked at AMHI, now known as Riverview Psychiatric Center, for over 27 years in a position he loved. Randy enjoyed hunting, four wheeling, being a lover of the outdoors, meticulously maintaining his lawn and particularly time spent with family.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Randy is survived by his wife of 25 years Lillian Hannan, of Palermo; brother Kerwin Hannan and wife Violet; sisters Wanda Turner and husband Willis, Sherry Fuller and husband Wilbur; stepchildren Kevin Pendleton and wife Debbie, Ralph Pendleton and partner Nancy, Doreen Parent and husband Michael, Kellie-Jo LaBelle and fiancé Jeffrey Horton; multiple grandchildren; great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per the families request services will be private.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives 82 Western Ave. Augusta, Me 04330.

CHRIS E. MASON

WINSLOW – Chris Earl Mason, 47, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, in Waterville. Chris was born in Augusta on December 24, 1972, the son of Richard E. Mason and Shirley Raddatz (Love). He attended school in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and graduated in 1991.

He worked in housekeeping at Little Co. Of Mary Hospital, Evergreen Park, Illinois, Barraco’s Pizza, also in Evergreen Park, and drove truck for The Show Dept., in Chicago, Illinois.

Chris loved to explore the woods and collected many unique rocks he found.

He also loved music, playing his guitar and writing songs. He shared his love of music with his twin sons James and Ronnie. He loved spending time with his good friend Rick Cochran.

He was predeceased by his biological father, Richard E. Mason, his grandparents, Frank Love and Bertha Love (McCaslin), and his pet dogs, Dio and Kudo.

He is survived by his sons James and Ronnie Mason; his mother Shirley Raddatz; his stepfather James Raddatz; his uncle, Brian Love and many other uncles, aunts and cousins.

A Celebration of life with family and close friends will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

DAVID P. PROULX

WATERVILLE – David Paul Proulx, 77, died peacefully at his home in Waterville, Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born in Waterville on June 27, 1943, a son of the late Gerald D. Proulx and Lillian S. (Lessard) Proulx.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1961.

He was employed by Tony’s Pizza and Schwan’s as a delivery driver, Zayre and Ames Department Stores as shipping and receiving manager, and the town of Vassalboro as transfer station manager.

He loved to go fishing with his children and spent many hours cultivating beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. He enjoyed his walks and dog-sitting Sarah.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Pamela; children, John Proulx and wife Michelle, of Hampton, Virginia, Libby Furrow, of Vassalboro, Lilly Bickford and husband Dwayne, of Belgrade, David Proulx and wife Deanna, of Oakland, Tabith Proulx, of Waterville, Heidi Hersom, of Oakland, Randy Hasson and partner Jim McCoy, of Columbus, Ohio, Kevin Hasson and wife Danielle, of Ridge Manor, Florida, and Keith Proulx, of Waterville; 14 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald Proulx; and son, Bryan Hasson.

There will be no funeral service or visitation hours per David’s request.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in David’s memory to The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

THOMAS W. DODGE

WATERVILLE – Thomas William (Todorowski) Dodge, 79, passed away Wed­nesday, Oct­ober 7, 2020, at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born February 19, 1941, in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Clarence E. and Josephine (Rocha) Dodge.

He attended schools in Rhode Island, graduating from Mt. Pleasant class of 1958. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. He was employed as a welder by EB Connecticut, then was self-employed in the jewelry industry for many years. On September 1, 1962, he married Marie Batista, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Thomas was a member of the Corpus Christi parish, in Waterville, and had a deep devotion to his faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family, in which he was very proud of.

He was a skilled carpenter and craftsman and loved working with his hands. He built the family home and helped his children build their homes. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Many wonderful family memories were made camping, boating, spending time at the ocean, long drives and surprise road trips to fun places, and just being with his family. He had a warm smile and wonderful sense of humor and was famous for his pranks. His family will miss him dearly but will never forget the memories made or the lessons in life that he taught us.

He is survived by his wife, Marie (Batista) Dodge, of Waterville; three daughters, Christine Samuels and partner Mark Sherriff, of Skowhegan, Donna Baker and husband Leo Jr.,and Lisa (Dodge) Houghton, all of Canaan; two sons, Thomas Dodge, of Canaan, John Dodge and wife Lisa, of Canaan; two brothers, Robert Dodge and wife Paula, of Fall River, Massachusetts, Jim Dodge and wife Nancy, of Skowhegan; two sisters, Heidi Dodge, of Harwich, Massachusetts, Jackie Bennett, of West Warwick, Rhode Island; sister-in-law, Grace Perry, of Ridgecrest, California; four granddaughters, Desiree Davis and husband Matthew, of Skowhegan, Tiffany Gordon and partner Chad Keene, of Salem, New Hampshire, Emilie Dodge, of Skowhegan, Maria Dodge, of Canaan; eight grandsons, Daniel Gordon, of Canaan, Thomas Dodge, of Cornville, Cory Dodge, of Skowhegan, Jonathan Dodge and partner Cassie Tripp, of Madison, Garrett Dodge, of Canaan, Bradley Houghton and wife Jaide, Kobe Houghton and partner Jordyn Wheeler, and Andre Houghton, all of Canaan; two sons-in-law, Guy Samuels, of Canaan, and Bradley Houghton, of Skowhegan; 21 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Joseph Dodge; sister-in-law, Sharon Dodge; grandson, Michael Dodge.

A private funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church at a later date, followed by a Christian burial at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in his memory to the American Heart Association, Maine Affiliate, 51 US Route1, Suite M, Scarborough ME 04074.

RICHARD A. HUSSEY

WINSLOW – Richard A. Hussey, 77, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. He was born in Milo on December 6, 1942, where he grew up with his parents, Ervin and Pamelia (Canney) Hussey and his siblings.

Rich graduated from Milo High School in 1961 and then joined the U.S. Air Force, completing four years of service. Upon leaving the military, Rich worked for a few different businesses before deciding to become self-employed in the early ‘90s. He enjoyed his “handy man” occupation until retirement in 2012 when he and Rita packed up the car and made many road trips over the years, seeing the country together.

Rich leaves behind his wife of 47 years Rita (Boulette) Hussey, of Winslow; sons Andrew (Sonja) Noel, of Oakland, and Anthony (Bonnie) Noel ,of Sidney; daughter Darcy (David) Lockman, of Vassalboro; sister Connie Harmon, of Waterville; and two grandsons, Dameron and Dominic Rodrigue, both of Vassalboro; several cousins; sister-in-law Liz; a niece and nephews.

Rich was predeceased by his parents, brother Donald Hussey and sister Sue (Lois) Bradstreet.

If you wish to offer condolences in person the family invites you to Veilleux Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Saturday, October 24, from noon to 3 p.m. Due to COVID-19, all CDC regulations will be followed including the requirement to wear face coverings.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, Rich wishes a donation to be made to a charity of your choice instead.

LINDA M. PARADIS

OAKLAND – Linda McKeage Paradis, 73, passed away Monday, October 12, 2020, at her home. Linda was on hospice care at the time of her passing. Linda was born March 21, 1947, in Colebrook, New Hampshire, a daughter of the late Lyman and Blanche Reynolds McKeage.

She attended Apostolic Bible Institute, and graduated valedictorian of her class. Linda enjoyed waitressing with her sisters and the HoJo crew for years. Linda was a senikor director of sales and marketing in “Home Interior” for 35 years and was crowned Miss Maine for highest sales for several years. Linda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.

Linda was a very strong Christian based woman and was a member of the New Beginnings Church, in Waterville. Linda was a strong, determined, kind and independent woman. She became the matriarch of the family after her mothers’ passing. One of her passions was creating and hosting the family’s Thanksgiving dinners for many decades. Linda loved cooking, especially making biscuits and doughboys with her sons, nieces, nephews and granddaughter.

Her hobbies included playing cards and the train game with friends and family. Linda was a family-orientated woman and was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Linda was predeceased by her father, Lyman McKeage; mother, Blanche McKeage; and sister, Rachel McKeage.

She is survived by her husband Eugene Paradis; her two sons, Timothy Landry and his wife Laurie, and Michael Landry and his wife Zoe; granddaughter Ashley Bubar and her husband Corey; great-granddaughter Kinsley Mae; her siblings Dennis Sr. (Nina) Sweatt, Jennie (Dave) Wentworth, Lyman Jr. (Stephanie) McKeage, Lea Rae (Charlie) Stewart, David Sr. (Debbie) McKeage, Donna Thing and Luke McKeage; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be a private service at New Beginnings Church of God at a later date.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

JACQUELINE M. HAWES

WATERVILLE – Jacqueline Mae Hawes, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph’s Nursing Home, in Waterville, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jacqueline was born on January 25, 1939, the daughter of Lyle and Sadie (Thomas) Hawes.

Jacqueline grew up in Benton where she attended and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. After high school she attended Thomas College, in Waterville, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree. She was employed as a bookkeeper by Fitzpatrick’s Dairy. Jacqueline attended the Fairfield Methodist Church where she played the organ and was a part of the choir.

Jacqueline really enjoyed music. She played the clarinet, piano, and organ. She also enjoyed taking long vacations with her parents.

Jacqueline is survived by her cousin, Lowell Hawes, and other distant relatives.

A funeral service was held on October 15, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

WENDELL GIBSON

CLINTON – Wendell Gibson, 89, passed away from natural causes on Friday, October 16, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville on January 25, 1931, to J. Holman and Freda (Dixon) Gibson.

A lifelong resident of Clinton, Wendell grew up on the family dairy farm. He often told stories about growing up on the farm, and about when he used to “peddle milk” by horse and wagon.

Wendell spent time working as a plumber and building houses, but he was a farmer at heart and eventually returned to his true love. He was employed most recently by The Wright Place dairy farm, in Clinton, from which he retired several years ago. Even though he retired, Wendell never tired of talking about the farm, especially with his dear friend, Jimmy Gerow.

Wendell was a strong man with a gentle soul. He loved animals of all kinds, and the feeling was mutual. He raised many calves during his time on the farm. He even had a favorite bull that would still act like a calf around Wendell.

He is survived by his sister, Lois Starbird and her partner, Gordon Flewelling; two nieces, Linda Starbird and Joyce Smith; two nephews, Leslie Starbird and David Starbird; and three stepchildren, Concetta Clark, Glen Clark and Merl Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of eight years, Patricia Clark-Gibson.

At his request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral services.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Please consider making a donation in his memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901, or at hswa.org.

China selectmen hear reports from department heads

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen heard reports from town departments (submitted in writing and read by Town Manager Becky Hapgood) and considered various issues at their Oct. 13 meeting.

They made three decisions:

  • They appointed Frederick Anderson, Dale Peabody, Shawn Reed and Joshua Crommett to the Road Committee.
  • They accepted with appreciation a $5,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to help with Covid-related election expenses. Hapgood gave Town Clerk Angela Nelson credit for obtaining the money.
  • After an executive-session discussion with Town Attorney Amanda Meader, Hapgood reported selectmen voted to authorize Meader to enter into negotiations with Brent Chesley’s attorney over Chesley’s rejected application to build a retaining wall along the shore of his China Lake property. Codes Officer Bill Butler denied a permit, and in August the China Board of Appeals upheld Butler on a split vote, on the ground that the planning board was the proper body to review Chesley’s application.

Department and other report highlights included the following:

  • Town Clerk Angela Nelson had already issued a record number of absentee ballots. The ballot drop box at the town office was installed with state funds covering $1,500 or 80 percent of the cost, whichever is less, and the possibility of more state aid.

Hapgood added that office staff have received many complaints about ballot applications, ballots and other election materials mailed by political parties and affiliates. Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton said town officials can do nothing to stop them.

  • Public Works Foreman Shawn Reed reported road paving and striping finished and final shoulder work almost done. Breton thanked the crew for their clean-up work after recent storms.
  • Codes Officer Butler reported on enforcement issues, one pending and one resolved, and again announced his retirement, effective Dec. 1.
  • Transfer Station Manager Ron Marois’ report sparked questions from Breton and board member Wayne Chadwick about the cost of recycling various materials, including glass and cardboard, versus the cost of treating them as mixed waste. Hapgood reminded the board that cardboard recycling is required by town ordinance.
  • Police Chief Craig Johnson’s report summarized September hours and activities. Breton wants more hours of coverage. Hapgood said China’s police force consists of five people, all with full-time jobs in other departments; three share patrol duty, while two Oakland officers handle various office duties for China.

Selectman Irene Belanger, who represents China on several regional and state boards and committees, reported that the Municipal Review Committee, the group of towns overseeing the now-closed Fiberight trash facility, in Hampden, continues to move toward finding a new owner/operator.

Halloween trunk or treat to be held

China’s annual Halloween trunk-or-treat will be held, with adjustments for Covid, beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, in the town office parking lot. Selectman Irene Belanger and former Selectman Robert MacFarland are organizing the event; they plan to hand out treats as children remain in vehicles, with a one-way traffic flow. Those who would like to help are invited to wear costumes and to assemble well before 6 p.m. Those seeking more information should contact Belanger, MacFarland or the town office.

In other business, South China resident Carrie Gay again asked for town help in creating a public water source to replace the private spring on Route 3 that has been closed. Many people in the area have well water that is unfit to drink, she said, and cannot afford to meet their needs with bottled water. No definite proposals were discussed; Breton said the town will try to assist.

Breton asked whether Hapgood intends to continue mailing weekly newsletters after the Covid grant financing them runs out. Hapgood said she hopes to find money in the budget to continue on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, and praised deputy town clerk Ashley Farrington for the quality of the letters.

Hapgood and Breton made the following announcements:

  • Causeway Road is to be closed for several weeks between the boat landing and the China Baptist Church parking lot, to finish construction of embankments and a walkway at the head of China Lake’s east basin. The lake’s water level is expected to drop 12 to 18 inches soon.
  • On Nov. 3, the town office will be closed so staff can supervise voting in the adjoining portable building.
  • The next regular selectmen’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26.

Annual drug take-back day set for Oct. 24

The annual fall drug take-back day at the China transfer station is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. Residents are encouraged to bring in unused or outdated medication for safe disposal.